The 21-year-old, who joined from Fluminense in 2008, made 12 appearances for the Red Devils last season, earning a call-up to the senior international squad in May following an injury to Dani Alves.

The defender’s agent, Cassiano Pereira, indicated that Rafael, who featured in Brazil’s friendlies against Argentina and Denmark, was delighted to remain at the club and play on the European stage.

Pereira told Globoesporte: "Rafael is very happy to be able to stay at Manchester United, who are one of the biggest clubs in football and are always playing in Europe's biggest competitions.

"Besides, they opened Rafael the doors to Europe, where his qualities are appreciated and where he has earned respect and prestige. Everyone is happy with this renewal."

Unlike Rafael, his brother Fabio is not currently in Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team plans.

And, Pereira also revealed that the Scot has therefore allowed the Brazilian to move on loan to QPR for the new season.

According to the representative, Fabio reject offers from other clubs to join a Premier League side and further adapt to the English games.

He added: "Fabio is a promising players and he needs to play. Because of that, Alex Ferguson suggested that he be loaned out to get more experience.

"He is a sought-after player because he is still young, and we think that his transfer to QPR was the best decision at the time.

"We received some offers from Germany and Portugal, but he preferred to stay in England to remain in touch with the country's football style and so that he would not have a problem to adapt to it when he returned to United."